Toilet accessory dispensing device



/ JTTO T HUSTON TOILET ACCESSORY DISPENSINGDEVICE FiledNov. 4, 1936 Oct. 11, 1938.

Patented Oct. 11, 1938 NITED STATES TOILET ACCESSORY DISPENSING DEVICE.

Tom Huston, Hartford, Conn., assignor to Shelby P. Langston, Miami, Fla.

Application November 4, 1936, Serial No. 109,139

18 Claims.

, .My invention relates to toilet accessory dispensing devices. It has among its obje'ctsto provide an improved construction for dispensing face powder or the like whereby an exceedingly'convenient, compact, and attractive dispensingcontainer is produced. A further object of my invention is to provide Such a device having improved con.- veniently operable closure means associated in an 1" improved manner With improved container means containing the. powder or other material to be dispensed and having an improved transparent wall, portion,. all in such manner that the user may very readily control the amount of material b ing d spensed and at any time ascertain the color shade and amount of material in the container. Further objects of my invention are to produce such an improved construction which in oneof its forms is especially adapted to be carriedin a bag or vanity case or the like, while also being adapted in another form to be embodied in a. container adapted to stand, on'a dressing tableor the like. 1 These and other objects and advantages of my improved construction will, however, hereinafter more fully appear. V In the accompanying drawing, I have shown for purposes of illustration several forms which my invention may assume in practice. In the, drawing,

s Figure 1 is a perspective view of a so-called disc form; of my improved dispensing device, the same being shown as held in the hand when in use asa face powder dispensing device;

2 is an edge elevation of the dispensing device showing the dispensing aperture and the closuremeans associated therewith, the latter being shown in full and dotted lines in open and closed positions; g I v Fig. 3 is a viewsi lar to Figure2 but of the opposite edgeof the device, showing the pivotal mounting for the closure means;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view on line 4- -4 of Figure 1; l

Fig. 5 is a detail view of the closure band;

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of a modified construction wherein a disc-like dispenser of the construction shown in Figure 1 is disposed in a stand for table use;

Fig. '7 is a sectional View on line 1-1 of Figure6;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Figure 6 showing a further modified construction wherein the stand is formed integral with the base of, a disc-like 55 dispensing device;

PATENT OFFICE Fig. 9 is aside elevation of the construction shown in Figure 8, and v Fig. 10 is an. enlarged detail perspective view of a, modified form of, closure adapted to use when. dispensing liquids.

; Referring first to theconstruction illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, it will be noted that I have therein shown a generally disc-like dispenser of the type adaptedto be carried in a bag or vanity case, this device comprising a containerof an improved construction and improved closure means associated therewith, all as hereinafter more fully described. .1 V

Referring more particularly to the container, it will be noted that I provide a casing or base member I of hollow disc form and having an upstanding annular peripheral flange 2 on one side thereof forminga relatively shallow chamber 3. This member I preferably is of one piece con struction and formed of' one of the'available, light yet strong and attractive molded compositions, such, for example, as Bakelite or the like, which is adapted to be provided in various colors and to take various finishes. Further, it will be noted that the flangeZ thereon is provided substantially, midway between its top and bottom with a lateral port or outlet 4 through which the material in the chamber 3 1s adapted to be dispensed when the chamber is covered as hereinafter described, this aperture 4 preferably being cast in the composition where a molded composition is used. Moreover, the outer face of the member I underlying the chamber 3 is herein provided with an attractive curvature, While the flange 2 is also provided with attractive sloping faces 5, 6 meeting in a center line 1, these faces being extended around the periphery of the disc. As shown, oppositely located transversely extending cut out portions 8 .and 9 are also provided in these faces on the periphery of the flange as hereinafter described. more particularly in connection with the closure means with which they cooperate.

Also, it will be noted that a transparent, flexible, and somewhat elastic cover member ID is provided over the chamber 3 and fitted snugly within the flange 2 in such manner as to prevent the leakage of powder therefrom while permitting the discharge of powder through the outlet 2 4 as hereafter described. Herein, this member I0 is formed of Celluloid. or one of the available equivalent transparent and resilient materials, and is also provided with an annular flange ll adapted to extend down into the chamber 3 and frictionally engage and fit the inside. wall of the flange 2 in such manner as to prevent leakage. Obviously, if desired, the flange l I may be suitably connected by adhesive to the flange 2, but as a result of the use of my improved member ID, the frictional fit between the parts is such as not to require the use of adhesive. Here also it will be noted that a hole I2 is also provided in the flange H in registry with the hole or aperture in the flange 2 of the base I.

Thus, it will be evident that a container is produced which is not only adapted to be very conveniently carried in a bag or vanity case, but also one which is adapted to permit the user at'all times to ascertain how much face powder or other material is in the chamber between the base and cover. Further, it will be evident that, while dispensing by shaking the material through the registering apertures I2 and 4 is also possible, the material may be much more conveniently, easily and certainly dispensed by suitably flexing the exposed face of the member If! to discharge the material in any desired quantity through the outlets l2 and 4; the portion l springing back into its normal or raised position illustrated in Figure 4 as soon as the pressure thereon is released.

Cooperating with my improved container just described is also improved closure means carried by this container. This closure means herein includes a closed band l3 extended around the closed disc formed by the members I and I0 and passing through the cut out portions 8 and 9 in the periphery of the flange 2. This band I 3 is formed of a flexible material which is also somewhat resilient. For example, I may use therefor a thinclosed band of the same material used for the cover member I0; it being found that the same is sufiiciently elastic to permit springing such a'band into the assembled position indicated and that it provides a satisfactory closure, while also being readily adapted to be furnished in transparent form or colors as desired Herein, it will also be noted that the band is of substantially the width of the cut out portion 8, and that the latter consists in a transverse rounded bottomed slot in the periphery of the flange 2 in such manner as to produce a pivot for the band l3. Further, the cut out portion 9 is of substan-, tially the same shape as the cut out'portion 8 but longer, and is so located that it extends a substantial distance to one side of the aperture 4 and a shorter distance to the other side thereof, the total length of the cut out portion 9 being substantially twice the width of the band 13. Moreover, the location of these portions 8 and 9 is such that a straight line may pass midway between the ends of each.

Thus, with the band I3 having a snug fit on the surfaces of the flange within the cut out portions 8, 9, the flexible band I3 is free to move about the portion 8 as a pivot to one side or the other of the point of intersection of the above line with the cut out portion 9 while maintaining an equally firm grip on the bottom of the portion 9 in each of its positions in the latter. Accordingly, it will be noted that the band l3 provides an effective closure for the aperture 4 in one position, i. e. when it is over the aperture as shown in dotted lines in Figures 1 and 2, while also being adapted to be moved about its pivot 8 to open the outlet 4 and being retained by friction in the open position shown in full lines in these figures, and further being adapted to be readily moved from one position to the other.

In the use of my improved construction, it will be evident that when the container is not in use,

it is adapted to be very conveniently carried in a bag or the like, while presenting an attractive appearance and permitting the user always to determine how much powder remains therein, the band l3 then being in its closed or dotted line position shown in Figure 2. When it is desired to use the powder, it is only necessary to move the thumb or finger of the hand holding the disc, along the outer surface of the latter in order to swing the band from its closed to its open position. With the container thus opened, it will be evident that the powder may be very conveniently fed out of the container inthe desired amount by pressure on the flexible face of the cover It, the amount of powder discharged depending upon the amount of pressure and the pressure being readily applied as illustrated in Fig. l by the thumb of the hand holding the con tainer over the powder puff. Obviously, thereafter, the aperture 4 is closed by a reverse movement about pivot 8, .whereupon the container will be effectually closed against loss of powder, the band being retained securely in its closed position by friction.

As a result 10f my improved construction, itis made possible to eliminate altogether various objections to ordinary powder containers. For example, I eliminate the difliculty in obtaining the desired amount of powder ordinarily experienced when 'a powder puff is inserted in a container containing exposed loose powder. Further, ascompared with such containers wherein the powder is in loose powder form beneath a gauze .or the like, it is also made possible to eliminate altogether the spilling or fluifing about 1 of powder, while also eliminating all difficulty in obtaining enough powder upon the puff, due to the failure ofthe powder to come up through the gauze or other cover therefor. Instead, in my improved construction, the amount of powder dispensed may be regulated very closely by varied or repeated pressure on the flexible face of the container, all in such manner as to prevent Waste of powder and soiling with powder while controlling the amount used. as desired. further is directed to the fact that the dispensing device is of a type which may be both negligible in weight and also is very compact, no provision for carrying a puff therein being necessary.

Moreover, it is also possible for the purchaser, as I,

a result of the transparent portion Ill, to determine the shade of color in the container without opening the latter. The device is also especially adapted to use in connection with the small type of sanitary puff adapted to be used once and thrown away. Further, while producing the attractive, useful and convenient dispensing container described, my improvements also make it possible to produce the same very inexpensive- .ly; in fact so inexpensively that the entire container is ordinarily thrown away when emptied. These and other advantages of my improved construction will, however, be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

In Figure 6 I have illustrated a modified form of construction wherein, if desired, the disc-type container heretofore described may be mounted upon a suitable stand M for table use. The stand in this construction is provided with a slot IS in its upper edge portion l6 adapted to receive and support the edge of the previously described container in upright position. Further, if desired the latter may be suitably connected to the disc container by any suitable means, as for example pins I1.

Attention In Figure 8, I have shown a further modified construction in which the base member I of the container heretofore described is formed integral with a 'supportingbase la, the band l3 in this construction being extended through a suitable'aperture 19 in the base I8. Obviously in these constructions, the powder dispenser may be conveniently disposed in upright position upon a dressing table or the like, and'where the container is fixed to the stand, still conveniently used while being held in the hand in substantiallythe same manner as shown in Figure 1. I V

'In Figure 10 I have also shown a form of band which may be used when dispensing liquid. Here it will be noted-that while the band I3 is of the same construction as heretofore described, a short strip 20 of cork or the'like, and preferably one ofthe same width as the band, is provided in such manner as thereby to prevent any possible leakage of liquid from the much smaller aperture 4. Here also it will be understood that, if desired, the aperture 4 may be varied in size and located at different distances from the end walls slotted portion 9 to meet different conditions.

In the manufacture of my improved container, it will be evident that the chamber 3 may be filled and the cover I!) thereafter fitted into the same without first providing the hole or aperture [2 in the container flange. Instead, in practice, it is preferred to assemble the elements I and ID in this manner and thereafter to insert a drill through the outlet 4 to drill out the hole l2. Then the band I 3 is slipped into position, the same being sufficiently resilient to permit it to move over the periphery of the disc when in one cut out portion 8, 9 and snap into the other. Further, in the form shown in Figure 8 it will be evident that the band will not be continuous but will be connected after being passed through the aperture I9, such a connection being readily made with the material employed which has adhesive characteristics when heated. Attention is iruther directed to the fact that my improved container, and particularly the disc form thereof, is adapted to be filled and have the cover applied thereto by automatic machinery.

While I have in this application specifically described several forms which my invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that the same are shown for purposes of illustration, and that my invention may be modified and embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a dispensing device, a container presenting an enclosed chamber portion having a lateral outlet, and a closure for the latter extending across opposite faces of said portion and having a pivot on a closed wall thereof opposite said outlet.

2. In a dispensing device, a container presenting an enclosed chamber portion having a lateral outlet, and a closure for the latter extending around opposite walls of said portion and having a pivot on a closed wall opposite said outlet.

3. In a dispensing device, a container presenting an enclosed chamber portion having a lateral outlet, a closure band movable over the latter extending around opposite walls of said portion and having a pivot opposite said outlet, and means for obtaining an equal grip by said band in its closed and open positions.

4. In a dispensing device, a container presenting an enclosed chamber portion having a lateral outlet, and a closure band for the latter extending around opposite walls of said portion of the 6. In a dispensing "device, a container presenting an'enclosed chamber portion having a lateral outlet,'and a band extending around opposite Walls of said portion and having a pivot on said container opposite said I outlet, said enclosed chamber portion having a transparent wall across which said band extends and through which the material in said chamber is visible.

'7. Ina dispensing device, a container having a filling aperture and an outlet, and a resilient transparent flexing portion forming a closure for said filling aperture andoperable to discharge materiallthrough said outlet. I

8. In a dispensing device, a container having an outlet and a flexing portion operable to discharge material through said outlet, and a closure pivoted on said container and extending along said flexing portion and movable to open and close said outlet, said flexing portion forming one face of said container and the latter having pivot forming means for said closure spaced from said outlet.

9. In a dispensing device, a container having an outlet and a flexing portion operable to discharge material through said outlet, and a closure loop pivoted on said container and extending across said flexing portion and movable to open and close said outlet, said flexing portion being transparent and said loop extending across said portion and pivotally mounted on said container opposite said outlet.

10. In a dispensing device, a container comprising a base having a peripheral flange, a transparent resilient cover sheet having a flange thereon extending in the opposite direction from said first mentioned flange and fitted with the latter, and outlet forming means in said first mentioned flange through which material in said container is discharged upon flexing said cover sheet.

11. In a dispensing device, a container com prising a base having a peripheral flange, a transparent resilient cover sheet having a flange thereon extending in the opposite direction from said first mentioned flange and fitted within the latter, and outlet forming means through which said material in said container is discharged upon flexing said cover sheet including registering outlets in said flanges.

12. In a dispensing device, a container comprising a flanged base, a transparent resilient cover having a flange fitted with the flange on said base, outlet forming means through which material in said container is discharged upon flexing said cover, and closure means carried at oppositely located peripheral points on said container and adjustable to close or open said outlet forming means.

13. In a dispensing device, a container comprising a flanged base, a transparent resilient cover having a flange fitted within the flange on said base, outlet forming means through which material in said container is discharged upon flexing said cover, and closure loop means enclosing said container and adjustably mounted thereon to-close or open said outlet means, the

flange on said base having oppositely located'cutaway peripheral portions of difierent length in Which said loop is disposed and'said outlet being located in the longer of said cut-away portions.

14. In a dispensing device, a container disc having a resilient transparent face and a lateral outlet in its periphery, and a resilient closure member. comprising an enclosing band pivotally mounted on the periphery of said member opposite said outlet and cooperating with the latter.

15. In a dispensing device, a container disc having a resilient transparent wall, a peripheral outlet, and a movable closure band extending around said disc and cooperating with said outlet, and a base having a disc receiving portion adapted to support said container disc in upright position.

16. In a dispensing device, a container disc having a resilient transparent wall, a peripheral outlet. and a movable closure band extending around said disc and cooperating with said outlet, a base having a disc' receiving portion adapted to support said container disc in upright position, and meansfor connecting said disc to said base. I

17. In a dispensing device, a base disposable in upright position and having an'upstanding material containing and dispensing portion including a resilient transparent face portion and an outlet in the periphery of said dispensing portion, and a closure band pivotally mounted on said base andextending around said face portion and cooperating with said outlet.

18. In a dispensing device, a base disposable in upright position and having an upstanding material containing and dispensing portion including a resilient transparent face portion and an outlet in the periphery of said dispensing portion, and a closure band pivotally mounted on said base and extending around said face portion and cooperating with said outlet, said outlet being in the top of said dispensing portion and said base having an aperture therein through which said 20 band extends.

TOM HUSTON. 

